This is why the Honda Jazz is so popular
There are some cars that are trendsetters, and it doesn’t necessarily mean those cars are the most expensive in its class, it may be the down-to earth hatches. Like in this case, the Honda Jazz. We’re talking about the original Honda Jazz of course and when it launched locally in April 2003 (having been unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show in late 2001), media raved about it. The Jazz was a game changer, being one of the first cars in its class with dual airbags and ABS adding a new dimension to safety.
Not only safe, but also spacious! Honda’s seats, a versatile design with flexible rear seating configurations, allowed the seats to collapse flat in the rear of the vehicle providing unrivalled utility space. What made this possible was an unusually-shaped fuel tank, positioned under the front seats (rather than the back seat) and therefore out of the way, a secure location, as it was exceptionally well protected from all sides. Ask anyone who has owned a Jazz and they will rave about the van-like interior.
Owners of the second generation Jazz, introduced in late 2008, reaped the benefits of a design focus which was unwavering. With its monobox design, it moved subtly into a market position where it combined the attributes of a supermini with those of a mini-MPV.
With the Jazz’s 2011 face lift, Honda became the first local brand to offer a B-segment hybrid, thanks to the introduction of the Jazz 1.3 Integrated Motor Assist. At the same time, the entire range also underwent an interior/exterior refresh, adding more storage solutions, better aerodynamics and improved steering feel. And just when people thought the seats couldn’t get any better, Honda added a recline function.
The third generation Jazz has recently been unveiled at the 2014 Paris Motor Show and South Africa is eagerly awaiting the introduction of this model in February 2015. The all new 2015 Honda Jazz retains the practicality, spaciousness and versatility of the now iconic magic seats with an enhanced exterior design and added safety aspects giving consumers a lot to look forward to.